Assignment Overview
The care needs of patients receiving palliative and end-of-life care can be complex and require careful care assessment and management, regardless of the setting. At times, this care is very challenging, and nurses must demonstrate knowledge and skills in their responses. In turn, this can mean nurses are placed under specific kinds of stress, and it is essential to have strategies for self-care in place.
In Assessment Task 2, you will prepare a 2000-word written assignment that demonstrates your skills in assessment and person-centred care planning, your understanding of the particular challenges of palliative and end-of-life care, and your insights into self-care strategies.
To do this, you will answer a series of questions relating to a case study scenario presented in four parts. All questions are drawn from the Learning Materials, although additional resources will be required for some questions. Each question links to at least one Rubric criterion.
Steps to Undertake Task 2
- Read through the Case Study excerpts and consider what they reveal about the scenario.
- The total word count for this assessment excludes Question 1 and the reference list.
- Use information from the Learning Materials, peer-reviewed literature, textbooks, and credible websites. Support each answer with at least one citation.
- The suggested word count for each question is a guide only; the overall word count is assessed.
- The Reference List must include all cited sources in APA7 style.
- Submit as a Word document (template provided in Canvas).
Due Date: Thursday 17th July at 1.00 pm
Case Study – 1) Background and Assessment
(Case study content retained as provided; formatted for clarity.)
Peter is 68 years of age, living on a large town block in Cooran near Noosa with his wife Sharon (63). They have three children: Charlie (45) in Alex Beach; Layla (44) in Hervey Bay; and Tammy (32) in Redlands Bay. Although Peter was born and raised in Brisbane, Sharon and Peter settled in Cooran for a quiet retirement.
Peter was a carpenter by trade. He first noticed a tremor in his hands, which he attributed to arthritis. His son Charlie took over the family business. Peter’s love for creating and building deepened when Tammy had his only grandchild, Amelia, now 5.
When Amelia was born, Peter sliced the top of his right index finger while building a cubby house. After presenting to his local emergency department and receiving treatment, he later saw his GP and was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Since his diagnosis 5 years ago, Peter has been receiving regular physical therapy and strength training.
In the past few weeks, Peter’s symptoms have worsened. As the weather has cooled, he can no longer swing his legs out of bed, describing them as “achy and sore.” He now supports his legs with his arms, uses a walking frame due to fear of falling, and has become unsteady. He has stopped physiotherapy and now struggles with speech, planning, problem-solving, and organisation. He is increasingly frustrated and abrupt.
Sharon has observed changes in Peter’s morning bowel habits, sleep pattern, and appetite. He often complains of abdominal discomfort. She no longer visits the children and has stopped engaging in her volunteer role due to fear of leaving Peter alone. Sharon had a stroke previously and finds physical activities draining. Tammy assists regularly, mowing the lawn, as Peter and Sharon are both unable to manage it.
Questions
- What is the likely trajectory of Peter’s illness? (Approx. 50 words)
- What type of pain is most likely with Peter’s disease? What pain characteristics must be included in your assessment? (Approx. 150 words)
- What are the elements of assessing Peter’s constipation? (Approx. 150 words)
- What concerns might the family be experiencing? How could you assess these? (Approx. 150 words)
Case Study – 2) Managing the Impact of Illness
Your assessment of Peter has identified needs relating to pain, breathlessness, fatigue, constipation, and family dynamics. As his illness progresses, Peter’s need for support will increase.
Questions
- What are the domains of care addressed through palliative and end-of-life care? (Approx. 50 words)
- What pain management plan could be put in place for Peter? (Approx. 150 words)
- What constipation management plan could be put in place for Peter? (Approx. 150 words)
- Based on the broader domains of care, what strategies might address the family’s needs? (Approx. 150 words)
Case Study – 3) Challenges in Providing Care
Sharon is struggling to maintain the property and meet increasing care needs. Both Peter and Sharon wish for him to remain at home and die there if possible. Charlie is uncomfortable with the idea; Tammy alternates between withdraw and over-involvement.
Questions
- What inequity in health care is Peter’s family experiencing? How might it impact their care and support? (Approx. 50 words)
- What might be the impact of Sharon’s experience on Peter’s illness experience? (Approx. 150 words)
- What might Charlie, Layla, Tammy, and Amelia be experiencing? What support could help them? (Approx. 150 words)
- Using the Compassionate Communities model, what strategies might help the family as Peter’s illness progresses? (Approx. 150 words)
Case Study – 4) Need for Self-care
Alicia, a 42-year-old RN, provides end-of-life care for Peter. She struggles emotionally and physically, balancing work, caring for family members, and supporting Peter’s distressed family.
Questions
- What are prevalent stressors in PEoLC nursing? (50 words)
- What aspects of this caregiving experience may be impacting Alicia? (150 words)
- How could Alicia assess her self-care needs? (150 words)
- What evidence-based self-care strategies could Alicia use? Why are they important in nursing practice? (150 words)
Summary of Assessment Requirements
Assessment Task 2 requires students to develop a 2000-word written assignment based on a four-part palliative and end-of-life care case study. The task assesses the student’s ability to:
- Conduct holistic assessment of a patient receiving end-of-life care.
- Apply person-centred care planning principles.
- Demonstrate understanding of palliative and end-of-life care challenges, including symptom burden, psychosocial stressors, communication, and family dynamics.
- Integrate self-care strategies relevant to nurses working in emotionally demanding environments.
- Respond to a set of structured questions, with each question linked to specific rubric criteria.
To complete the assessment, students must:
- Review all case study excerpts thoroughly.
- Use Learning Materials, peer-reviewed journals, textbooks, and credible websites.
- Support every answer with at least one citation.
- Apply APA 7th referencing.
- Submit the final document using the Word template provided.
The questions are organised into four themes:
- Background and Assessment – illness trajectory, pain characteristics, constipation assessment, family concerns.
- Managing the Impact of Illness – palliative care domains, pain/constipation management plans, family support.
- Challenges in Providing Care – health inequities, family roles, psychosocial impacts, Compassionate Communities strategies.
- Need for Self-Care – stressors in PEoLC, nurses’ emotional load, self-care needs assessment, evidence-based strategies.